Healthcare leaders express optimism over the continued operation of their at-home acute care initiatives.

Healthcare leaders express optimism over the continued operation of their at-home acute care initiatives.

The future of at-home acute care is looking increasingly positive, with the industry set to expand and integrate further beyond 2024. This growth is driven by a combination of market trends, technological advancements, and policy changes.

Recent developments have streamlined the intake process for at-home programmes such as Parkland Hospital at Home, with the help of Epic team's screening tools. Factors considered for patient intake include medical history, location, payer mix, and living conditions. The programme caters to vulnerable populations, taking patients' specific needs into account.

At-home acute care services are now offered by nearly 300 hospitals and are available in 37 states. These services are designed for short-term conditions such as broken bones, post-surgery recovery, or other illnesses that might typically be managed by in-hospital care.

The availability of at-home acute care has boomed in recent years, with the federal waiver during the COVID-19 pandemic allowing hospitals to provide staff, services, and health monitoring to patients at home. This change has potentially saved hospital days, allowing patients to spend more time with their families instead of being in a hospital bed.

Technological advancements play a significant role in at-home acute care. Devices that track physiological measurements like blood glucose, blood pressure, and weight, as well as tablet devices for telehealth visits, are common in these programmes. Staff members provide training on the devices, particularly the tablets that patients use to connect with their care team.

Some programmes, like Kaiser Permanente's, include a help button that connects patients to their care team immediately. In addition, armbands with sensors transmit heart rate, oxygen level, respiratory rate, and skin temperature, which are continuously monitored by a virtual nursing team. The programme addresses issues such as unreliable internet, lack of specific devices, and low digital literacy among patients.

The global home healthcare market is projected to grow from approximately USD 420.79 billion in 2024 to around USD 666.91 billion by 2030. Post-acute care, including home health services, is forecast to grow by about 31% in the coming years, emerging as a scalable solution to reduce inpatient hospital stays and support elderly or chronically ill patients in lower-cost home settings.

Health systems are encouraged to integrate home care with broader care redesign efforts, supported by robust operational and reimbursement infrastructure. Advances in telehealth, remote monitoring, wearable health devices, mobile medical equipment, and the use of AI and Internet of Medical Things are enabling safer, more effective complex care delivery at home. These technologies reduce hospital visits, lower exposure risks, and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

While some Medicare telehealth flexibilities were extended only until March 31, 2025, the overall commitment to safe, high-quality home healthcare is ongoing. Programs focusing on virtual nursing and standardized hospital-to-home care handoffs are recommended to scale post-acute services. It is likely that regulatory frameworks will continue adapting to support these models given their demonstrated benefits.

Stakeholders in healthcare systems should prioritise scaling home-based care programmes, integrating digital health tools, and coordinating ecosystem partnerships to capitalise on this ongoing shift. Dr. Stephen Harder, medical director of Parkland Hospital at Home, is concerned that if the federal waiver expires after 2024, promising outcomes from at-home acute care programmes may vanish. However, the industry trends and technological innovations indicate a robust expansion and deeper integration of at-home acute care beyond 2024, with growth expected through 2030 driven by demographic needs, cost-efficiency, and patient-centered care models.

[1] Global Market Insights Inc., "Home Healthcare Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Service, By End-use, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030." Accessed May 29, 2023. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/home-healthcare-market [2] American Hospital Association, "The Future of Hospital-at-Home: What's Next?" Accessed May 29, 2023. https://www.aha.org/system/files/2021-07/the-future-of-hospital-at-home--whats-next.pdf [3] McKinsey & Company, "Home-based care: A new frontier in healthcare." Accessed May 29, 2023. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/home-based-care-a-new-frontier-in-healthcare [4] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "Medicare Program; Changes to Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2023." Accessed May 29, 2023. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/05/03/2022-08700/medicare-program-changes-to-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other-revisions-to-part-b-for-cy-2023

1. The science behind at-home acute care continues to evolve, with advances being made in telehealth, remote monitoring, and AI.
2. Sleep quality can be monitored as part of an at-home acute care program, helping healthcare providers manage various medical conditions.
3. Workplace wellness initiatives often include education on managing chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or heart diseases.
4. Respiratory conditions, like asthma or COPD, are increasingly being managed at home with the help of digital health tools and therapies.
5. Maintaining good digestive health is crucial for overall well-being, and at-home care programs often include dietary advice and recommendations.
6. Eye health is another aspect of personal health that can be addressed through at-home care, with services such as virtual eye exams and early detection of conditions.
7. Hearing damage and loss can be managed with at-home care, which may include audiological evaluations and hearing aid assistance.
8. Health and wellness is a broad field that includes fitness and exercise, sexual health, autoimmune disorders, and mental health.
9. Fitness and exercise programs are being adapted for at-home care, offering customized workouts and guidance to patients.
10. Mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, can be addressed with at-home therapies and treatments, providing a safe and comfortable environment for patients.
11. Programs focusing on mens' health concerns, such as prostate cancer or erectile dysfunction, are becoming more common in at-home care settings.
12. Skin care is another aspect of personal health that can be managed at home, with services like virtual dermatology consultations and customized skincare recommendations.
13. Therapies and treatments for various medical conditions, including neurological disorders, are being developed and adapted for at-home care.
14. Climate change poses a significant threat to public health, and its impact on health systems is being studied in environmental science.
15. Manufacturing industries must prioritize workplace safety to prevent injuries and improve the overall health and wellness of employees.
16. In the realm of aging, at-home care programs provide essential support for seniors, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life.
17. At-home care is becoming an increasingly important aspect of women's health, with services tailored to meet the specific needs of women throughout their lives.
18. Parenting resources, including advice on child development, mental health, and nutrition, can be found in at-home care programs.
19. Weight management is an essential aspect of maintaining good health, and at-home care programs often include nutrition counseling and exercise guidance.
20. Cardiovascular health is another focus of at-home care programs, with services like telemonitoring and remote support provided to patients.
21. The finance and healthcare industries are closely connected, with regulatory changes and policy reforms impacting the availability and cost of at-home care.
22. Medicare, a federal health insurance program for seniors, plays a significant role in funding at-home care for eligible patients.
23. CBD, a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, is being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in managing neurological disorders.
24. Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, require specialized care and support, which can be provided through at-home care programs.
25. The environmental science industry is playing a role in reducing the carbon footprint of at-home care, with innovations in energy-efficient medical equipment and sustainable materials.
26. In the retail and transportation sectors, safety protocols are being implemented to protect the health of employees and customers amidst COVID-19 and other health threats.
27. Cybersecurity is essential in maintaining the privacy and security of patients' health information, particularly in telehealth and digital health applications.
28. Lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and wellness.
29. In the fashion and beauty industry, there is a growing focus on clean, natural, and eco-friendly products, reflecting a wider trend towards sustainability and health-conscious choices.

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